Trips and journeys
Country & people 1A
Two weeks round trip from the highlands into the region named „le grand sud“ (the big south). On the way you discover the fascinating culture and customs of the Malagasy peoples.
TOUR
1st day: journey to Paris
Individual journey to Paris. It’s possible to start the journey from several airports in Germany offering flights to Paris. Please ask. In the evening, flight to Antananarivo (Tana), the capital city of Madagascar.
2nd day: Arrival at Antananarivo
Arrival at Antananarivo, at Ivato Airport. Check-out and transfer to the hotel Gregoire (or equivalent). Welcome and further information about the journey. In the afternoon we go to the botanical-zoological garden (Tsimbazaza). There we’ll get an idea of the unique and special world of Madagascar plants and animals. Hotel Gregoire or equivalent, bed and breakfast or equivalent.
3th day: Ambatolampy - Antsirabe
Trip via the highlands to Antsirabe with a lunch in Ambatolampy. If possible, sightseeing will include the manufacturing of handmade aluminium pots and pans. The road is full of many inspiring subjects for your cameras: markets, paddy-fields, loam stonework (more than a hundred years old). Hotel Diamant or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
4th day: Antsirabe
Town sightseeing tour at Antsirabe with the Pousse-Pousse. The town is a former health resort with hot springs. Visiting one of the volcanic lakes, Tritriva or Andraikiba. As a result of the high number of different minerals there is very much jewellery are found. We also visit a jewellery cutting workshop on this day. Hotel Diamant or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
5th day: Ambositra - Fianarantsoa
Continuation of our journey to Ambositra, the town of the woodcutters. We visit some families in their workshops with amazing woodcuttings and wooden inlays. Drive to Fianarantsoa, capital of Betsileo, Hotel Soafia, bed and breakfast or equivalent.
6th day: National Park of Ranomafana
Travel to the National Park of Ranomafana with its waterfall. This is the home of the Golden Lemur and of the world’s smallest frog. You will see quite a number of animals in their natural surroundings. Return to Fianarantsoa in the evening. Hotel Soafia or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
7th day: Fianarantsoa - Manakara
By train from Fianarantsoa to Manakara, located on the East Coast (should the train be cancelled, we go by car). Enjoy the eventful journey through the green rainforest of Madagascar with a panoramic view of the wonderful plants and animals of this island. At the various stopping points fruits and drinks are offered by the natives. Hotel Ampilao Beach or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
8th day: Fianarantsoa
Return by car to Fianarantsoa through the rainforest. In the event that we were not able to go by train the previous day, we will try it again today so as not to miss the rainforest. Hotel Soafia or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
9th day: Ambalavao - Isalo - Ranohira
Very early in the morning start to the Isalo-Mountains an Ranohira. Many new impressions are waiting for us on the way. In Ambalavao we will observe the traditional making of the famous Antaimoro-Paper. In Ihosy we meet the tribe of the Bara whose rites of blood-brotherhood and cattle-robbing still exist. Hotel Le Joyau de l’Isalo or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
10th day: Isalo-Mountains
In the early morning we start our excursion to the Isalo-Mountains (National Park), Piscine Naturelle: within a natural “swimming pool", which invites you for a wonderful swim. Picnic lunch. Later we walk to the “window of god" to watch the sunset. Hotel Le Joyau de l’Isalo or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
11th day: Isalo-Mountains - Tulear
After the breakfast we continue to Tulear. The scenery changes from green and becomes increasingly dry. Boabobs and Palms are all around. We will see some interesting tombs of the Mahafaly. Hotel Plazza or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
12th day: Tulear - Fort Dauphin
Depending on the airline timetable, after breakfast we go sightseeing to Tulear. Alternative: after breakfast, transfer to the airport - flight to Fort Dauphin. Fort Dauphin is said to be Madagascar’s most beautiful city. After arriving we go for a walk to test this statement. Hotel Kaleta by the sea or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
13th day: Nahampoana-Reserve
After breakfast excursion to the Nahampoana-Reserve, a nature park. There we will find plants and animals unique tot the island. There are lots of scenes worth photographing. Afternoon return to Fort Dauphin. Hotel Kaleta or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
14th day: Pic St. Louis - Libanona Beach
Walk to the Pic St. Louis, with a panoramic view over the city and the sea. This view has impressed all visitors. In the afternoon we visit the beach of Libanona. Hotel Kaleta or equivalent, bed and breakfast.
15th day: Antananarivo
Flight back to Antananarivo, where our journey has started (Hotel Gregoire or equivalent, bed and breakfast) The rest of this day is free to spend as you please.
16th day: Tana - Flight to Paris
For the last morning in Madagascar we visit again the capital city with its famous handicraft-market “Marche de Artisanat". You get the last chance to buy souvenirs. In the afternoon, transfer to Ivato-airport, check-in and flight back to Paris.
17th day: Arrival at Paris
Arrival at Charles de Gaulles Airport. Individual continuation of your journey back to your hometown.
You are always welcome to ask us about the kind of travel experience you are looking for; we (almost) always come up with a solution. Alternatively, you can arrange an appointment with us for an individual consultation, and we will make a customised offer.
Hotel arrangements may be subject to alteration. Departure times of flights can be postponed by as much as several days, as airlines can change their operating days in the course of the year. All remaining trips are then reorganised in accordance with customers’ wishes.
Suitable vehicles are arranged in accordance with the number of travellers (1-8) to ensure the best value. English- or German-speaking guides are available, as is the option to travel without a guide. These trips can also be reorganised on an individual basis depending on areas of interest.
Whether as part of an organised programme or as an extra, we can also offer a few refreshing and therapeutic days for a chance to bathe, as required. Tours on the themes of mineral wealth, ornithology and botany are available by arrangement, but require planning and booking well in advance due to time restraints and the availability of skilled personnel.
When booking, please bear in mind the peak-season periods of
18. Dec. – 31. Dec. and 01. Jul. – 20. Aug.